16 November 2009 09:02

So England lost to Brazil, but what did you expect? There was only one certain World Cup starter on the pitch, acting captain Wayne Rooney, and it was a predictable result.

Don't panic: Everybody already knew Brazil would be favourites at the World Cup

Let's not panic. England will be outsiders in South Africa, Brazil will be among the favourites, but we knew that.

It's another reason why club managers don't like these games. What did we learn?

A little masterCan we have our ball back? That's what Ireland must have wanted to ask France's Lassana Diarra (right) as their game wore on.

Like Xavi and Iniesta of Spain, the former Chelsea, Arsenal and Portsmouth midfielder is another little man who rules in the land of the midfield giants.

He's been Real Madrid's most consistent player this season.

Arsenal robbedWhen Robin van Persie flew out to join up with Holland, he went as Arsenal's spearhead and one of their key players, with eight goals this season.

Now he returns from a friendly against Italy with damaged ankle ligaments.

Pain game: Robin Van Persie's six week absence will be a real blow for Arsenal

It's hard luck on Arsene Wenger, whose team are achieving more than expected.

He must be relieved to hear his Dutchman is out for just six weeks.

Dragon's roarOne player who won't be complaining about the international fixture list this weekend is Aaron Ramsey (right) of Wales.

The little Arsenal midfielder looks like a mini Cesc Fabregas and he ran Scotland into the ground on Saturday with his passing and appreciation of a football.

He's another find for Wenger and we'll be seeing more of him.

Game on!Imagine the atmosphere in Cairo: Egypt 2, Algeria 0. A gate of 74,000 people turned up to witness former Wigan striker Amr Zaki (right) get on the scoresheet and a 95th-minute goal that means the two nations finished with identical records and could not be separated.

They will now play off in Sudan on Wednesday. That will be no place for the faint hearted.

Out of AfricaWe remember Nigeria from past World Cups and they are through again, but only just.

It took leaders Tunisia to lose 1-0 in Mozambique, while Nigeria's 3-2 win in Kenya saw them qualify.